Stop the campaign against smokers

NYU recently announced a proposal to prohibit "all smoking within 15 feet of the entrances, exits and air vents of university buildings." As a smoker, I was thoroughly surprised and angered by this blatant discrimination against a large constituency of the student body.

At the College of Dentistry, where a similar ban is already in place, it is common sense that secondhand smoke would be a major issue: It is a health center, where stringent rules must be upheld for the sake of well-being. The College of Dentistry, however, is not a residence hall. I cannot count the number of times I have been yelled at for smoking a cigarette on "The Stoop," (within feet of the entrance of Weinstein residence hall), as if I am intentionally blowing smoke like a dragon toward students coming in and out just because I am in a spiteful mood.

The administration has used the example of a lit cigarette butt that caused a fire in a Bobst Library trash can to emphasize the danger of smoking near entrances. However, it seems illogical to use this argument: This was the irresponsible act of a senseless smoker that should not be applied to the larger masses. All smokers must have courtesy for their surroundings; it is disrespectful to leave lit or unlit cigarette butts — or any type of litter — anywhere.

I understand, as well, that the courtyards of residence halls are not New York City streets and that smoking in the courtyards can be an annoyance for residents passing through. It is unreasonable, however, to blame smokers for smoke entering outdoor smoke vents, which is another reason the administration has proposed the ban. Smokers cannot change the physics of rising warm air; it will happen anywhere smoke is present. Under this rationale, it would mean that every air vent in the city is in danger because, as I'm sure you've noticed, smokers are seemingly everywhere. Therefore, repeating the argument mentioned before, people living in houses 15 feet from any entrance to an NYU building will be the new victims.

I am greatly thankful for the facilities that $11,720 (the cost of living at Weinstein for a year) can get me nowadays, but this cost should also lend me certain rights. Students like myself do not want to be quarantined like animals when we leave our living space. To gain a more universal perspective on the issue, I asked two friends of mine, Phil Devries and Max Riccio, for their perspectives. Their general reaction: "Give us a break!"

Finally, the ban is a hindrance to the bubble of congregating smokers: a social aspect of NYU that is often significantly ignored. Whether it's a term paper for philosophy or a classic like Homer's "The Iliad," students should be able to discuss these universal topics over a cigarette, free of harassment from the Department of Public Safety. Although there are numerous activities for promoting conversation among students, I have come to discover and treasure the unique friendships and inter-curriculum advice formed in the smokers' circle, an essential ingredient of life here at NYU.